Florida Governor Activates State Guards as Brevard Schools Cancel Second Day of Classes

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-227 on Monday to declare a state of emergency for seven Florida counties, including Brevard, in response to heavy flooding that has disrupted transportation and forced school closures.

The executive order activates the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard. It also permits state agencies to coordinate logistics and resources to expedite assistance to impacted communities.

The declaration covers Brevard, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. The Florida Division of Emergency Management stated it is working with local partners to ensure residents receive necessary support.

Brevard Public Schools canceled classes for Tuesday, marking the second consecutive day of closure due to the weather. The district stated that crews are inspecting campuses as conditions allow to assess building safety.

Schools are expected to reopen on Wednesday, November 4, and resume normal operations. The district previously canceled Monday classes, citing severe weather and flooding that hampered travel and damaged homes and businesses across the county.

Rescue operations are ongoing in the region. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers rescued more than 60 people in Brevard County using helicopters, drones, airboats, and shallow-water vessels.

Aviation personnel rescued a man found clinging to a palm tree in Crane Creek. The agency also evacuated pets alongside residents in Melbourne and Palm Bay.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said 911 centers are receiving a high volume of calls from people trapped in homes or vehicles. He urged residents to call for help if necessary, stating that crews would use kayaks or swim to reach them if needed.

Transportation disruptions continue across the area. US 192 in West Melbourne is closed in both directions between Coastal Lane and Wickham Road/Minton Road. The Florida Department of Transportation advised drivers to avoid flooded roadways due to uncertain water depth.

Brightline suspended train service between Orlando and West Palm Beach until 2 p.m. Thursday due to high water on the rail corridor. Maintenance personnel remain on scene, while service between Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach continues normally.

Health First Medical Group closed all locations on Monday morning, with tentative plans to reopen in the afternoon. Lab locations in Malabar, Eldron, and Indialantic remain closed, and Family Pharmacy locations will have delayed openings.

Brevard County Bar Association confirmed that courts and the State Attorney’s Office are closed. A flood watch remains in effect for all of east central Florida through 7 p.m., with an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain expected. Isolated areas could receive up to 5 inches. Ground conditions are heavily saturated, increasing the risk of rapid runoff.